| What makes it historical? |
This complex got its start as a log barracks for the Russian military posted at Sitka, and it continued as military housing under US occupation until 1912. As the population in Sitka aged, this expanded complex of buildings looked like the perfect place to house their elderly friends and relatives!
So, in 1912, Sitka’s Territorial Representative, Arthur Shoup, acquired $10,000 to establish the Alaska Pioneer Home on the site of the old barracks. As the decades passed, the buildings started to decay, and by the 1930s, Congress deeded the old Naval reserve to the Territory of Alaska, which built the concrete building that still stands today!
At first, only men could stay here, but in 1949, a women’s home and church were added on to accommodate the retired women of the community!
Today, the center serves 75 men and women at a time with three levels of care: independent living, basic assistance, and round-the-clock care, especially for residents with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia! |
